The Growing Green Economy in India: Opportunities and Challenges
Amidst an impressive annual growth of 8-10% in renewable energy employment from 2020 to 2023, India’s green economy presents both promising opportunities and notable obstacles for new job seekers. While the sector is expanding, aspiring professionals face hurdles such as inadequate formal training and lower starting salaries compared to the IT and finance industries, making them hesitant to pursue green jobs.
The gap between academic training and industry demands is evident, as educational institutions often fail to equip students with the necessary skills for emerging green roles. Programs like BTech in Renewable Energy and diplomas in Solar Energy Systems Design and Wind Energy Technology are available, yet the curricula offered by institutes such as the Indian Institute of Skill Development Training (IISDT), National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) require updates to meet industry standards.
Bridging the Industry-Academia Gap
Anushree Joshi, a climate and sustainability researcher at BCG India, emphasizes the disconnect between current academic offerings and the skills needed in the sustainability job market. “There is a significant gap between academic training and the skills required in the sustainability job market,” Joshi states. Employers are looking for professionals with technical expertise in renewable energy systems, net-zero strategies, and ESG compliance, bolstered by certifications like LEED Green Associate and Certified Energy Manager (CEM).
Sankalp Suman, head of the energy and environment department at the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Association (ISMA), highlights the necessity for updated curricula to address the evolving demands of the renewable energy sector. He notes that outdated teachings, such as the Clean Development Mechanism, which ceased in 2007, widen the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Addressing Training and Economic Barriers
Formal training is a major barrier for graduates, particularly those without an environmental engineering background, who find themselves unprepared for roles in sustainability consulting, energy auditing, and carbon accounting. The allure of higher initial salaries in tech and finance further diverts talent from green jobs. According to Suman, “The brightest minds, having invested heavily in competitive exam preparation for JEE, often opt for tech or finance roles that offer higher starting salaries.”
To overcome these challenges, graduates are encouraged to gain practical experience and pursue online certifications in sustainability and renewable energy. Courses covering carbon footprinting, ESG compliance, and renewable energy systems provide the technical proficiency increasingly sought by employers, as Joshi points out.
Emerging Opportunities in the Green Sector
Despite the challenges, the renewable energy market, encompassing solar, wind, green hydrogen, and bioenergy, is expanding rapidly. Projections suggest that India could create approximately 120,000 new direct jobs as it scales up to 100 GW of wind and solar capacity. Solar energy jobs will arise in solar park deployment and management, as well as in the manufacturing of photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems. Similarly, wind energy projects are expected to generate substantial opportunities.
Sustainability consulting is another growing field, with initiatives like the Indian Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) standards driving demand for sustainability consultants, carbon accountants, and environmental impact analysts. Consulting firms and tech giants are assembling sustainability teams, creating pathways for graduates from diverse backgrounds to engage in the green economy.
Employers are seeking candidates with a blend of technical proficiency, relevant certifications, and cross-disciplinary skills. As Suman notes, degrees in engineering combined with environmental protocol certifications and practical experience through internships or project-based learning can significantly enhance a graduate’s prospects in the green jobs market.
Original Story at www.educationtimes.com